Are you one of those people who go to a bookstore and don’t make it further than the journals, mugs, and trinkets section? You are not alone. There must be a plot against people trying to start reading again. Those cute souvenirs are an obstacle to the actual main objects of the bookstore – books. But do not fret! When you see those leather-bound journals, funky mugs, and sparkly pens, just keep walking. Trust that you’re about to discover a whole new world.
You might want to equip yourself with a delicious hot drink as you browse the aisles of your local bookshop. Treat the visit as a “me time,” a tiny vacation of sorts, a chance to get away.
Lots of bookstores have cozy corners where you can settle with your drink and a book, and imagine that – this experience is free of charge. Many years ago, when I found myself stuck in the Chicago suburbs, I’d go to Barnes & Noble and spend the day there, reading whatever random books whose titles and cover art piqued my curiosity. I didn’t finish any of them, but my excursions into other people’s minds felt like journeying to faraway lands without ever leaving the neighborhood.
Take Your Pick: the Allure of Short Stories or a World of Novellas
If it is hard for you to commit, keep clear of thick volumes. Go easy on yourself, and select a light appetizer: a short story anthology. My favorites are Stefan Zweig’s short stories.
Once you are ready to venture into more words, go for novellas. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka is a great classic, and The Vegetarian by Han Kang is an unforgettable journey through a new, strange land, at times scary, at times shocking, but always fascinating.
When you feel up for a fuller meal, go for The Bees by Laline Paull – this novel will take you inside a society you never thought you’d have the courage to visit or travel back in time to the glorious 20s in Paris with The Paris Wife by Paula McLain. That book tasted like a good sandwich and a beer (both crafted in Paris, of course!) and makes for a perfect main course.
If you want something closer to home, let Patti Smith show you her New York in Just Kids, or allow Kerri Schlottman in her newest novel Tell Me One Thing, to take you further than the glamor of the city to the reality of a trailer park in rural Pennsylvania. I also loved Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple – fast-paced and easy, the quirky but charming character will carry you through, and you won’t even notice you read a whole novel. The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alex E. Harrow will transport you into fantastical worlds. Even those who are no fans of fantasy will enjoy the adventurous ride Harrow offers. If you’re more the down-to-earth kind, Philip Roth’s Sabbath’s Theater is absolutely irreverent, you couldn’t be closer to Earth than that one.
And finally, when you are ready, go for the voluptuous classics. Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina might sound like a huge undertaking, but trust me: the book is a gourmet meal perfectly paired with a vintage wine. Take your time with it and savor every word.
Reading as a Sleep Aid: The Soothing Power of Words
Another great way to get back into reading is using books as a sleeping pill. Now, be careful and don’t choose anything too exciting. As a light dessert, have yourself a little poetry before dozing off. Our habit of staring at screens before bed is known to mess with our brains. Even the best poetry, however, will surely send you into the dream world eventually. Omar Khayyam and Alexander Blok are my favorites to go to bed with.
Another kind of “sleepy” reading that works for me, is anything by Jane Roberts. Metaphysical, mysterious, convoluted, and extremely pacifying. When I pick up Seth Speaks, I sometimes fall asleep after two sentences.
Audiobooks & E-Readers: Embracing Technology in Reading
And last but not least, audiobooks. For those who don’t have the patience or the time to sit down and read, the Internet has got you. Spotify now has a collection of audiobooks you can listen to if you have the premium account. The library is conveniently broken into categories, so you can make your pick, give it a listen, and see if it sticks.
As for myself, I am a Kindle addict. This way, I can carry a whole library in my purse. Beware, impulse book buying may be a problem when you have a Kindle.
Imagine, all the conversations you can start (and end!) after having absorbed all the words that shaped the worlds you never knew existed. I hope you’re heating that water already and have your to-go mug handy. The bookstore is waiting.
